A 2.8 stroker keeps the standard RB26 block and adds a longer-stroke crank and slightly bigger pistons. Here is what changes, how the HKS, Tomei and Nitto kits differ and what else the build needs. We supply parts; your engine builder does the build.
What a 2.8 changes
- Same block: a 2.8 kit goes into the standard RB26 block.
- Longer stroke: the common kits use a 77.7 mm stroke crank, against 73.7 mm stock.
- Earlier torque: a 2.8 brings torque and boost in lower in the rev range, so a bigger turbo feels more responsive.
Stock 2.6 vs 2.8 in numbers
| Engine | Bore | Stroke | Capacity | Rod length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock RB26DETT | 86.0 mm | 73.7 mm | about 2,568 cc | 121.5 mm |
| HKS 2.8, 87 mm | 87.0 mm | 77.7 mm | about 2,770 cc | HKS H-beam rods |
| Tomei RB28, 87.0 mm | 87.0 mm | 77.7 mm | about 2,770 cc | 119.5 mm |
| Nitto 2.8 | 86.5 or 87.0 mm | 77.7 mm | 2.8 litres | 121.5 mm |
Kits with 86.5 mm pistons and the 77.7 mm crank are also sold as 2.8 kits.
HKS 2.8 kits
| Kit | HKS rev rating | HKS power rating |
|---|---|---|
| Step Zero | 8,000 rpm | about 550 PS |
| Step 1 | 8,500 rpm | about 600 PS |
| Step 2 | 9,000 rpm | about 800 PS |
| Step 3 | 9,000 rpm | about 900 PS |
These are HKS's own ratings, not guarantees. HKS quotes a compression ratio of 8.7 with a 1.2 mm head gasket across the range. The HKS H-beam conrod set 23004-AN003 is made for the Step Zero and Step 1 kits.
HKS 2.8L kit Step Zero, 86.5 mm | HKS 2.8L kit Step Zero, 87 mm | HKS 2.8L kit Step 1, 86.5 mm | HKS 2.8L kit Step 1, 87 mm | HKS 2.8L kit Step 2, 87 mm | HKS 2.8L kit Step 2, 87 mm BCD | HKS 2.8L kit Step 2, 86.5 mm BCD | HKS 2.8L kit Step 3 BCD | HKS H-beam conrod set
Tomei RB28 kits
Tomei's RB28 kits use 119.5 mm rods, against the stock 121.5 mm. We list them in 86.5 and 87.0 mm bores, including a valve-recessed kit and a kit with bearings.
Tomei RB28 kit 86.5 mm | Tomei RB28 kit 87.0 mm | Tomei RB28 kit 87.0 mm, valve recessed | Tomei RB28 kit 87.0 mm with bearings | Tomei forged H-beam rods, RB28 119.5 mm
Nitto standard and wide rod journal kits
Nitto's 2.8 stroker kits keep a 121.5 mm rod. The wide rod journal kit uses a crank with a wider rod journal and rods with 7/16 rod bolts, for builds aimed at high power. Ask your engine builder which journal width suits your target and use.
Nitto standard rod journal stroker kits | Nitto standard rod journal V2 stroker kits | Nitto wide rod journal stroker kit
Building your own
Callies makes RB26 Compstar cranks in 77.7 mm and 79.0 mm stroke, in 4340 steel. Nitto sells its RB26 stroker pistons on their own. Your engine builder matches the crank, rods and pistons.
Callies RB26 77.7 mm stroke Compstar crank | Callies RB26 79 mm stroke Compstar crank | Nitto RB26 stroker pistons
What else the build needs
- Boring and honing: the 87.0 mm pistons are 1 mm over the stock 86.0 mm bore, so the block is machined to suit.
- Head gasket: ask your engine builder which gasket to use.
- Oil pump: budget for an uprated oil pump on any RB26 build.
RB26 rebuild parts list | RB26 oil pump and crank collar guide | RB26 twin vs single turbo guide | R32 GT-R engine parts
Who should stay at 2.6
Staying at 2.6 lets you keep the standard crankshaft and costs less. A 2.8 needs a kit and machining for the bigger bore, so it suits builds where earlier torque and turbo response matter.
Ordering
All the parts above are Price on application. Use Request a price on the part, or get in touch to check your build. HKS and Tomei parts come from Japan:
Imported parts: usually 1 to 2 weeks at the minimum. The exact time depends on which country the part is coming from, whether you choose express or standard shipping, the courier used, and how quickly UK customs releases the shipment. We'll confirm the options and timings when we send your quote.
Nitto and Callies parts come from Australia, and we confirm their timings with your quote.
Contact | Delivery and returns | Importing GT-R parts from Japan | HKS | Tomei | Nitto
FAQ
Is an RB26 2.8 stroker worth it over a 2.6?
A 2.8 brings torque and boost in lower in the rev range, so a bigger turbo feels more responsive. It goes in the standard RB26 block. The trade-off is cost: you need a kit, machining for the larger bore, and the usual supporting parts such as an uprated oil pump.
What stroke and bore does an RB26 2.8 use?
The stock RB26 is 86.0 mm bore and 73.7 mm stroke, about 2,568 cc. The common 2.8 kits from HKS and Tomei use a 77.7 mm stroke crank with an 87.0 mm bore, which gives about 2,770 cc. Kits with 86.5 mm pistons are also sold as 2.8 kits.
Do I need a different block for a 2.8?
No. A 2.8 kit goes into the standard RB26 block. The 87.0 mm pistons are 1 mm over the stock 86.0 mm bore, so the block has to be bored and honed to suit, and your engine builder chooses a head gasket to match.
What is the difference between the HKS 2.8 Step kits?
HKS rates Step Zero for 8,000 rpm and about 550 PS, Step 1 for 8,500 rpm and about 600 PS, and Step 2 and Step 3 for 9,000 rpm and about 800 PS and 900 PS. These are HKS's own ratings. Pick the step that matches your turbo and power target.
What is a Nitto wide rod journal stroker kit?
Nitto's wide journal 2.8 kit uses a crank with a wider rod journal and rods with 7/16 rod bolts, for builds aimed at high power. Like Nitto's standard journal kits, it keeps a 121.5 mm rod length. Ask an engine builder which journal width suits your target and use.